Two thirds of Brighton parents say their children struggle going back to school after holidays

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New research from the Department for Education suggests many Brighton & Hove families have a tough time with the transition back to school after holidays.

As the end of the Spring term approaches, many local parents are already thinking ahead to the return to school after the Easter break.

According to the survey, more than two thirds of parents in Brighton & Hove say their child experiences worries about going back to school after the holidays and half of parents in this area feel unsure about how best to support them.

Around a third (37 percent) of parents report that their child appears anxious in the days leading up to the new term, while the same number say their child complains of physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.

‘Children thrive on routine’

The findings also suggest that longer breaks can make the return to routine even harder. Nearly two thirds (63 percent) of Brighton & Hove parents said their child was more likely to experience back-to-school worries after extended time away from school.

And over a third said they struggle to settle their child back into school routines, with more than nine in 10 finding early mornings difficult and one in five facing challenges at bedtime.

Local GP and Clinical Director for Mental Health and Population Health Management for Sussex Dr Bikram Raychaudhuri says it’s completely understandable for children to experience back-to-school worries after the Easter break:

“They thrive on routine and predictability, so the sudden shift back to school schedules can trigger their worries, he explained.

“However, parents can make a real difference by gradually re-establishing simple routines a few days before term begins – such as consistent bedtimes, morning schedules, and preparing school bags and uniforms in advance,” Dr Raychaudhuri said.

“These small steps help restore a sense of control and security, allowing children to approach the return to school feeling calmer and more confident,” he added.

Psychologists also advise gradually preparing children for the return to school, rather than letting worries build over the break.

Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Nihara Krause recommends the following small, easy-to-implement steps:

Rebuild routine early

During the half-term break, sleep patterns, mealtimes and daily structure can become looser. This is completely normal, but this shift can make the return to school feel overwhelming.

Start resetting sleep schedules three to five days before school begins by moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier in small steps.

Reintroduce familiar routines such as reading before bed, laying out clothes, or having breakfast at the table. 

Limit screens for at least an hour before bed, as overstimulation can affect sleep quality.

Plan a calm and structured first morning back

Keep mornings calm by preparing as much as possible the night before (uniforms, packed lunches, school bags, and PE kits) to reduce stress and set a positive tone for the day. 

Aim to wake up 10 – 15 minutes earlier on the first day back so there’s no need to rush. Create a warm, steady routine with breakfast together, a quiet chat, and a moment to check in on how your child is feeling. Maintaining a relaxed tone yourself also helps, as children often “borrow” their emotional cues from adults. 

A smooth, unhurried morning lowers stress and helps children walk into school feeling steadier and more confident.

Talk openly and validate feelings

Communication is key, so try to keep checking in with your child in the run-up to the return to school. Listen carefully to what’s on their mind, and help them break their concerns into smaller, manageable steps you can work through together. This helps them feel supported and understood.

Don’t forget to highlight the positives of returning to school like seeing friends, their favourite lessons and enjoyable routines like after-school activities. 

Normalise their feelings and explain it’s very common to feel a little uneasy shifting routines from holiday mode to back-to-school.

Parents with ongoing concerns about their child’s wellbeing or school attendance are encouraged to speak with their school as a first step.

More information on school attendance and support services in Brighton & Hove is also available via the local council website.